Moon Area native Khama Worthy stepped into the octagon seven months ago and suffered the first loss of his UFC career, now “The Deathstar” is looking to right the ship.

On Saturday, Worthy (16-7) will take on Australian Jamie Mullarkey on the UFC 260 Main Card before heavyweights Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou square off later in the evening. Worthy is coming off his first loss since 2017 but is ready to get back to work.

“I’m feeling really good and I really just take each fight one at a time,” Worthy said. “So, I’m just going to show up for this one and get ready to roll.”

On September 12, Worthy squared off with undefeated Ottman Azaitar, and “The Bulldozer” caught him with a sequence of punches early in the first round that forced the stoppage. It was an unfortunate setback for Worthy who was starting to make a name for himself in the UFC.

Worthy started off his UFC career when he upset Devonte Smith, who was 10-1 at the time, in 2019 on four day’s notice with a first-round knockout that put him on the map. Then, this past July, Worthy pushed his winning streak to seven when he submitted Luis Pena with a choke he called “The Pittsburgh Guillotine.”

The 34-year-old who runs his own gym in Pittsburgh called “The Academy”, is still seen as one of the most exciting fighters in the business and even after suffering a loss Worthy said he doesn’t feel any extra pressure heading into his fourth UFC fight.

“I’ve never really felt that I need to prove myself at all, I mean I know what I’m capable of,” Worthy said. “I just go out there and fight. You can’t really over think proving yourself or who’s watching or anything like that. I just go in there and fight and fight the way I like to fight.”

Mullarkey, a 6-foot, 26-year-old, has lost the first two UFC fights of his career, but holds a professional record of 12-4 and has tallied eight knockouts in his professional career and three submissions. But, his last two losses, which came against Brad Riddell (6-1) and Fares Ziam (10-3) have both come via decision.

So, given his history of not giving in easily, Worthy said he knows he has to be prepared to go the distance Saturday night if it comes to it.

“That’s just how he fights and stuff and he’s a very durable guy,” Worthy said. “He’s a former rugby player and that’s just how they are. So, I definitely can see it going all three rounds or I can see me putting him out too aggressively, it just all depends.”

Worthy knows that Mullarkey could be dangerous as well. With two losses to start off his UFC career, he’s in need of a win to prove himself at the highest level, so he could be at his most dangerous when he stands across from Worthy on Saturday.

Worthy has been in the ring a countless number of times though. He’s a veteran fighter with a ton of experience under his belt, so he thinks he matches up well with whoever steps into the ring with him. Mullarkey is just the next guy to do so.

“I’m a pretty veteran fighter and I’m pretty good all over,” Worthy said. “So, I think I match up pretty well with anyone, but with him I definitely do. It’s a fan-friendly fight and I think it will be interesting and fun to watch.”

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